Ilya Sorokin started the last two games for the Islanders, including allowing four unanswered goals in less than 15 minutes of play en route to a 5-4 overtime loss to the San Jose Sharks, prompting the likely start of Varlamov on Thursday. Varlamov is riding consecutive wins for the second time this season, saving 67 of 74 shots faced over that span (.905 SV%). The Islanders and Varlamov have a favourable matchup as -180 home favourites against the Columbus Blue Jackets, who have lost two straight. In his only other matchup against the Blue Jackets this season, Varlamov saved all 34 shots he faced in a 3-0 shutout victory.
